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Los Angeles County Democratic Party fails to endorse in L.A. mayor’s race

The Los Angeles County Democratic Party failed to endorse in the L.A. mayor’s race at its Tuesday night meeting.

Reflecting the closeness of the race between Councilman Eric Garcetti and Controller Wendy Greuel, neither candidate reached the 60 percent majority to receive an endorsement. Garcetti received 105 votes, while Greuel garnered 81 votes. At least 117 votes were needed.

The Democratic party met at standing-only room meeting at the United Teachers Los Angeles headquarters on Wilshire Boulevard.

As the news of a “no endorsement” was announced, some delegates in the room looked disappointed.

Greuel and Garcetti have very similar voting records. Many Democrats are grasping to find major differences between the two candidates before the May 21 election.

Introduced to the delegates, Greuel stressed the importance of electing the first female mayor of Los Angeles. “We can make history today,” she said. She mentioned Rep. Judy Chu and Supervisor Gloria Molina as women who had broken the glass ceiling.

Garcetti mentioned his work on immigration rights, job growth in Hollywood, and efforts to reduce coal dependence. He also pointed to his campaign work on the national stage.

“I worked on Obama’s campaign, and I have served in the highest levels of this party, as the DNC executive committee member,” Garcetti said. “President Obama asked me four years ago to start organizing local Democrats.”

Earlier in the day, Greuel received an initial nod from the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.